PHIL Bucknell, head of the NFU's food and farming, is to lead the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board’s (AHDB’s) world-leading market information and analysis.

He will head the 60 strong team of market and data specialists in early 2017 as market intelligence director.

The team provides UK agricultural businesses with high quality, independent market data, analysis and insight to help them make informed business decisions.

Tom Hind, AHDB’s chief strategy officer, said: "Our market intelligence services are highly valued by levy payers and the industry. The challenges of the future from market volatility to Brexit will need a step change in the work that we do, requiring more thought leadership from AHDB. Phil brings a real depth of experience and has some exciting ideas for how we can take our service to the next level."

Mr Bicknell is an agricultural economics graduate from Reading University and has worked in agri-economic/food roles for the British Potato Council, the US Department of Agriculture and Bidwell’s. He was chief economist for the NFU before becoming head of food and farming.

Mr Bicknell said: "In a fast-changing world, the role of information and insight is increasingly critical to levy payers. I’m really looking forward to taking up the role, working with the broader AHDB team and ensuring our market intelligence expertise delivers for levy-payers’ businesses."

The appointment followed Ken Boyns, AHDB’s former market intelligence director, becoming chief finance and operations officer.